Leaning Christchurch lighthouse guided to its own safe waters
A symbol of safety in Christchurch's port for 130 years has returned to its rightful home after close to a decade in storage.
The region's September 2010 earthquake left the Lyttelton Lighthouse leaning over precariously after the foundations of the harbour’s eastern mole on which it stood subsided almost two metres.
It rested that way for eight months, tilting at an angle of 15 degrees – four times that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa – until it was rescued in May 2011. It was then carried by barge across the harbour to safe land, stored carefully near the entrance to the Lyttelton Tunnel.
With the mole, or breakwater, repaired as part of the project to build a cruise-ship berth in Lyttelton, the lighthouse was last week returned to its original spot and affixed to new foundations.
International shipping regulations mean the lighthouse will be off-limits to the public, although people will have a good view of it from nearby Naval Point – and of course from the sea.
And while its days as a navigation necessity came to an end in the early 1990s, the glow of its paraffin lamp replaced by modern lights, the Lyttelton Lighthouse will still shine out across the harbour.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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9.6% Yes! New Year, New Me
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21.2% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.2% Nah - not for me
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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78.8% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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21.2% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
Response to regifting presents
My mind tends to wander:
I do not see any problem with regifting it back to the person who gave it, they obviously liked it. In fact, that might work out well as you buy the present you want, then gift it to someone you know who will gift it back.
Perfect, no decision needs to be made about Xmas presents
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